FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Crooked Tree Arts Center Expands Sewing Offerings in Response to Local Demand

PETOSKEY, Mich. – Feb. 7, 2025 – Interest in sewing has grown in recent years, driven by pandemic-era hobbies, sustainable fashion, mending trends, and the desire for creative fulfillment. However, Petoskey and the surrounding areas have lacked options for accessible sewing education and alteration services. Crooked Tree Arts Center - Petoskey (CTAC) is addressing this gap by launching a series of beginner-friendly sewing classes, beginning with Make It Sew (Machine) on Feb. 25, 2025. Led by Costume Designer and CTAC Studio Coordinator Kristal Taylor, this six-week course, held Tuesdays at 3:30 p.m., will help students understand and confidently use their sewing machines in a supportive environment.

Taylor, an experienced costume designer with more than a decade of teaching experience, is eager to share her expertise. “Sewing can feel daunting, but in a warm and welcoming environment, it becomes a place of creativity and inspiration,” Taylor said. “Sewing machines can be frustrating at first, but with guidance, they are incredibly rewarding to master.”

The class is designed for adult beginners and those looking to refresh their skills. Participants will learn how to operate their machines, troubleshoot common issues, understand different stitches, and use various attachments. By the end of the course, students will complete a project that demonstrates their new skills.

Taylor holds a Bachelor of Arts in technical theater with an emphasis in costume design and technology from Western Michigan University and a Master of Fine Arts in costume design and technology from Virginia Tech. She has been sewing and designing since high school and is passionate about fostering creativity. “Since moving to Petoskey, I’ve met many people who want to get back into sewing or finally use that inherited or gifted machine,” she said. “This class is the time to take on that challenge!”

Some supplies, including thread, scissors, and needles, will be provided.

Class Details

• Course: Make It Sew (Machine)
• Instructor: Kristal Taylor
• Dates: Feb. 25 – April 8, 2025
• Schedule: Tuesdays, 3:30 – 5:30 p.m.
• Location: Visual Arts Room, CTAC Petoskey
• Age Range: 18+
• Price: $125 members, $135 not-yet members

In addition to the six-week course, CTAC will offer three one-day sewing workshops this spring:

• Sewing Machine Workshop
  Date: April 15, 2025
  Time: Tuesday, 5 – 7:30 p.m.
  Price: $50 members, $75 not-yet members
  Learn easy techniques to get comfortable using your sewing machine, regardless of experience level. Participants must bring their own machine.
• Hand Sewing Workshop
  Date: April 22, 2025
  Time: Tuesday, 5 – 7:30 p.m.
  Price: $50 members, $75 not-yet members
  A beginner-friendly session focused on hand-sewing techniques and stitch mastery.
• Beginners Alterations Workshop
  Date: April 29, 2025
  Time: Tuesday, 5 – 7:30 p.m.
  Price: $50 members, $75 not-yet members
  Learn how to repair, mend, or upcycle clothing using hand-sewing techniques and a sewing machine. Basic sewing skills required. Participants must bring their own machine.

Registration is now open. For more information or to sign up, visit crookedtree.org/classes/petoskey or contact Crooked Tree Arts Center at (231) 347-4337.

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About Crooked Tree Arts Center
Established in 1971, Crooked Tree Arts Center is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching lives through the arts. With locations in Petoskey and Traverse City, CTAC offers free art exhibitions, educational programs, live performances, and community events that connect, inspire, and support artistic growth.

Media Contact:
Keely Platte, Marketing & Communications Manager
Crooked Tree Arts Center
keely@crookedtree.org | (231) 550-6868